Question
QUESTION: hi, my orchid keeps growing and I would like to know if I can trim it in some way that won't kill it. The leaves are huge and I kept repotting it, so now it's a huge plant! I would rather control its growth. Any advice? My plant is now in dormant state. thanks!

ANSWER: Catherine, many orchid growers would like to be in your position.  I assume you probably have a cymbidium orchid as they can get quite large.  If so, I recommend that you divide the plant into several smaller plants.  You can do that by unpotting your orchid plant.  I recommend splitting your plant into four pseudobulb divisions and repot these separately. You can give some to friends if you like.

If, by chance, your orchid is not a cymbidium orchid, most other orchid can be divided this way as well (not phalaenopsis).  In general, it's best to wait until the plant begins new growth to divide it into smaller divisions.  That way, each of the new plants can get the best start.

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QUESTION: Just a quick question - how do I split it in 'pseudobulb' divisions? Do I split the roots only? I assume that the leaves will be kept with only one of the divisions? Thanks again!

Answer
Each of the pseudobulbs is connected to one or more other pseudobulbs.  You need to find that connecting growth and that is what you cut to split one division apart from another. Each division resulting should have its full set of leaves and roots so the roots of each division can be potted up separately and each division should have 3-4 pseudobulbs.

Understand that I am assuming that you have a plant with large "Bulbs" from which the leaves originate-- these are called Pseudobulbs.

I understand the leaves on many of these plants can get to be quite long.  You may want to consider some sort of a pedestal upon which you can place the plant and let the leaves hang.  This manner of displaying the plant can be quite attractive.